Valencia Vs. Barcelona: Preview, Prediction, Possible Line-Ups, Kick-Off Time, Betting Tips, & Live Stream
After thrashing Premier League leaders Manchester City, thanks to a Lionel Messi masterclass, Barcelona will resume La Liga action on Saturday against Valencia.
Date, Kick-Off Time, And Venue
The game will take place on October 22, 2016, at Estadio de Mestalla in Valencia. The kick-off times for various time zones are provided below.
- U.K. time: 3:15 p.m
- U.S.A time: 10:15 a.m.
- Pacific time: 7:15 a.m.
- Kenyan time: 5:15 p.m.
- UAE time: 6:15 p.m.
- Indian time: 7:45 p.m.
- Malaysia time: 10:15 p.m.
Match Preview and Team News
Lionel Messi delivered one of the best nights in his career as he put a good Manchester City side in the sword with mesmerizing all-around performance. The La Pulga hit a brilliant hat-trick, and his striking partner Neymar added a fourth ensuring a dominating win for Barcelona.
But all was not good for Barcelona in the game as it lost two of its stalwarts, Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba, due to respective injuries. Both of the Spanish duos are not expected to make it back in time to face Valencia.
Right-back Sergi Roberto was left out against City but should be back fit and ready to start against the Los Che.
As he has done often this season, Luis Enrique could rotate his midfield, with Andre Gomes or Rafinha making their place in the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, Valencia won its match against Sporting Gijon in its last game thanks to a brace from Mario Suarez.
New signing Nani should be physically well to start on the attack, with Rodrigo expected to lead the line for Cesare Prandelli’s men.
Starting Lineups
Valencia Predicted Line-Up (4-2-3-1): Diego Alves; Martin Montoya, Elaquim Mangala, Aderlan Santos, Jose Gaya; Enzo Perez, Mario Suarez; Santi Mina, Daniel Parejo, Nani; Rodrigo
Barcelona Predicted Line-Up (4-3-3): ter Stegen; Roberto, Mascherano, Umtiti, Digne; Busquets, Gomes, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Neymar
TV Schedule and Channel
In the U.S., the game will be live on beIN SPORTS CONNECT U.S.A., fuboTV, beIN SPORTS en Espanyol, and beIN SPORTS USA. In the U.K., the match will not be live on TV.
You can also watch the game at the live stream link provided at the end of this article.
Valencia vs. Barcelona: Head-to-Head (H2H)
The most recent six matches between Barcelona and Valencia have seen a Barcelona win in three of them. The last match between them was won 2-1 by Valencia in April. A Lionel Messi goal was not enough to ensure a win for Barcelona that day as midfielder Ivan Rakitic scored an own goal which inflicted painful defeat for the Blaugrana.
Valencia vs. Barcelona: Prediction
Wednesday’s match in the Champions League against Man City once again confirmed that Barcelona is arguably the best team in the world right now. Luis Enrique’s men are hitting the right note at the moment, so Barcelona is overwhelmingly the favorite to win this game. Messi is back fit and firing, and his reunion with Suarez and Neymar will be too hot to handle for Mangala and Co.
Final Predicted Score: Valencia 1-3 Barcelona
Valencia vs. Barcelona: Betting Tips and Odds
- VALENCIA win: 6/1
- A draw: 4/1
- BARCELONA win: 2/5
- Under 2.5 goals: 7/4
- Over 2.5 goals: 2/5
- Both teams to score: 8/15
- Both teams fail to score: 11/8
(The odds were provided by Paddypower.)
Key Stats to consider
- Barcelona has netted two or more goals in 13 of their last 15 outings (La Liga).
- Valencia is defeated in five of their last six home matches (La Liga).
- There have been over three or more goals scored in five of Valencia’s last six games (La Liga).
- Barcelona has not lost its last 10 away games against the Los Che in all competitions.
- Valencia has seen two or less goals in five of their last six home matches against the Catalans in all competitions.
The match stats were provided by Whoscored.
Valencia vs. Barcelona: Live Stream Online Free
The match can be watched live streaming online free in the link here.
The link will be updated just before kick-off.
[Featured Image by David Ramos/Getty Images]